Aulani expansion worries.....

[Neraj]

I also wanted to add, I heard today that the Waianae wing, currently open, will be shut down during much of the construction(this is the side of most of the construction) and the EWA wing will be open for guests. So you may be at Aulani during the construction but won't be directly over it, which is nice. They are basically flipping the resort.
Also, I don't know if this was in the letter, but they are also adding a new merchandise location which will be in what is currently the Holoholo desk (activities). Holoholo desk will be moving closer to the check-in counter.

 

[ACDSNY]

I'm not too worried as we typically will be out exploring the island during the construction during the day. The credit of 2 nights of points for the inconvience is wonderful gesture. The expansion is needed and will ultimately make the resort better in the long run.

 

[NC State Tigger]

Will this construction change the number of villas available while the construction is going on? Will DVC not book villas in the area where there is construcion in progress?

I had hoped to book for next May (can't book till 7 months out). Sounds like construction will still be going on then. I hope they don't "hold back" villas and make it more difficult to book at 7 months.

How long do you think "2 nights" will be credited for stays at Aulani. How many nights have to be booked to get the credit. I had been thinking of 2-3 nights in Honolulu and a week at Aulani, but if I were able to have 2 nights of points credited back, I'd book Aulani for our entire stay.

 

[Neraj]

Will this construction change the number of villas available while the construction is going on? Will DVC not book villas in the area where there is construcion in progress?

I had hoped to book for next May (can't book till 7 months out). Sounds like construction will still be going on then. I hope they don't "hold back" villas and make it more difficult to book at 7 months.

How long do you think "2 nights" will be credited for stays at Aulani. How many nights have to be booked to get the credit. I had been thinking of 2-3 nights in Honolulu and a week at Aulani, but if I were able to have 2 nights of points credited back, I'd book Aulani for our entire stay.

I believe the EWA wing is actually larger than the currently open Waianae wing. From my understanding it will just be a straight flip, so it should open up more villas. Probably somewhere around 100 more than is currently open.

The '2 nights' is a promo (stay for 5 nights pay for 3), I'm not sure how long that will be good for.

 

[ACDSNY]

The current credit is for stays 9/10 - 12/22/12 no word yet if they'll extend it.

 

[Anjelica]

The current credit is for stays 9/10 - 12/22/12 no word yet if they'll extend it.

Interesting - Does anyone know if you make new reservations during that period are they discounting the points or was this just for existing reservations? The above dates won't affect us but I am thinking about mid-January but haven't booked yet.

 

[ACDSNY]

Interesting - Does anyone know if you make new reservations during that period are they discounting the points or was this just for existing reservations? The above dates won't affect us but I am thinking about mid-January but haven't booked yet.

I doubt if DVC will make any decisions on January dates until they are further along in the construction process.

 

[PetePanMan]

although end result I'm sure will be great, too bad that quiet pool is out of commission for awhile - it was may favorite spot to hang out.

 

[DVCTiff]

I guess we'll just make the best of it, I have faith in Disney....I mean, we'll be in Hawaii! 2 weeks in Hawaii with some inconveniences is better than 2 weeks most anywhere else, right?

I think that's a great attitude!

We'll be there the same time as you (10/6-13) and are looking forward to our stay. We did receive the point credit which I thought was very considerate, but also made me wonder exactly how bad it would be. We're pretty happy-go-lucky so I think we'll be fine. I'm always shocked at how entitled some people can be. Get over yourself.

 

[Neraj]

Just wanted to add some details I have learned.

The last night for the Starlit Hui will be Sept. 10th. It will be back sometime in mid Oct. there is no set date yet for the return.

Heavy construction (building the additional play areas and F&B location) will start in mid Oct.

 

[pixie08]

Interesting - Does anyone know if you make new reservations during that period are they discounting the points or was this just for existing reservations? The above dates won't affect us but I am thinking about mid-January but haven't booked yet.

Yes it for new reservations too, as i called yesterday but only for the released dates of now.

I am confused as to what category to book. If I book a One bedroom Pool view for 12/1-12/8 they can't give me a view of the pool that's in construction can they? It would have to be the main pool right?

 

[WestCoastMama]

I am confused as to what category to book. If I book a One bedroom Pool view for 12/1-12/8 they can't give me a view of the pool that's in construction can they? It would have to be the main pool right?

I too am confused what to request. We are going Oct 21-27 and have a 2 bedroom Ocean View reserved. I would love the view with the pool and the ocean but with construction/scaffolding not sure that would be a good choice. At first I was REALLY bummed about the construction. But I'm gradually adjusting my expectations and we will have an amazing vacation regardless.

 

[disneykins]

Just wanted to add some details I have learned.

The last night for the Starlit Hui will be Sept. 10th. It will be back sometime in mid Oct. there is no set date yet for the return.

Heavy construction (building the additional play areas and F&B location) will start in mid Oct.

We're going Oct. 2 to 5. Hoping the new Starlit Hui might be open by then. Wanted to do this instead of a luau. Maybe we should book Paradise luau now just in case.

Tony

 

[Pakey]

I am here right now. I have a cabana every day so I'm here all day, every day!

Construction noise is heard but it's not awful unless you are close to it. Our villa is closer to the ocean and it's not bad here-the rooms closer to the lobby probably hear more of it. It starts at 7am. Scaffolding is visible at least for those staying with ocean and pool views but typical Disney-they have done a great job of not having it be obvious.

 

[ACDSNY]

Thanks for the nice update! Enjoy your stay!

 

[Beachbumpirates]

I am here right now. I have a cabana every day so I'm here all day, every day!

Construction noise is heard but it's not awful unless you are close to it. Our villa is closer to the ocean and it's not bad here-the rooms closer to the lobby probably hear more of it. It starts at 7am. Scaffolding is visible at least for those staying with ocean and pool views but typical Disney-they have done a great job of not having it be obvious.

Pakey - can I ask your opinion since you are there now? We are not DVC Members - I booked thru AA Vacations for Oct 12 arrival. AA has offered to move us to another hotel due to the construction and the fact that they cannot credit us the 2 nights. Would you stay at Aulani with the construction? Or let them move us to another property in Waikiki? I appreciate your opinions. Thanks and enjoy!

 

[Anjelica]

I went ahead and booked for 4 nights in January - tacked it on to the tail end of our Kauai/Hawaii vacation. When making the reservation member services didn't say anything about the construction but as we know they don't have it scheduled out (the details) and are most likely waiting to see what will still need to be done, etc.

Even with the construction I am excited!!!

 

[Anjelica]

I am here right now. I have a cabana every day so I'm here all day, every day!

Construction noise is heard but it's not awful unless you are close to it. Our villa is closer to the ocean and it's not bad here-the rooms closer to the lobby probably hear more of it. It starts at 7am. Scaffolding is visible at least for those staying with ocean and pool views but typical Disney-they have done a great job of not having it be obvious.

Take lots of pictures and share, please... Not necessarily of the construction just of the resort. Thanks for sharing!!!

 

[wdrl]

Pakey - can I ask your opinion since you are there now? We are not DVC Members - I booked thru AA Vacations for Oct 12 arrival. AA has offered to move us to another hotel due to the construction and the fact that they cannot credit us the 2 nights. Would you stay at Aulani with the construction? Or let them move us to another property in Waikiki? I appreciate your opinions. Thanks and enjoy!

I tried to respond to your question on the Aulani Villas and Views thread. Click here to jump to my post.

 

[DisnutDave]

We just returned from Aulani this Saturday. We were there for 6 nights 9/8-9/14. At the time construction was minimal, but we heard from several cast members that they were phasing in more projects through out the next several weeks. We received two nights credit in vacation points and we were thrilled. I believe by the time you go in October there will be more construction. If you are not able to get any credit for your stay I may be inclined to let AA move you to another hotel in Waikiki. It depends on if you think the construction will interfere with your vacation. If plan on exploring the island a lot, it may not be much of a factor but if you were planning on spending most of your time at the resort it might be an issue.

Aulani is a beautiful resort, it's tranquil and is filled with Hawaiian charm and spirit. We have been to Oahu before and have stayed on Waikiki beach, so we planned less sight seeing and more R&R on this trip. Aulani is about 30 miles from Waikiki, which is not bad unless you decide to go during rush hour. The H1 highway backs up terribly during rush hour. We were told by cast members that Oahu is now the worst place in the country for rush hour traffic. I only mention the traffic if you plan on doing a lot of sight seeing.

You can't go wrong with Aulani, but since you will be there in the middle of all the construction, without any form of compensation, you may want to stay elsewhere.